2017 SEC Country Power Poll: Where Tennessee is ranked (Week 8)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee took another big loss to a rival on Saturday.

The Vols lost 45-7 on the road to Alabama. It was Tennessee’s fourth loss in the SEC in as many games.

The 25 voters in the Week 8 SEC Country Power Poll have grown used to the poor performances by the Vols. Tennessee lands at No. 10 in our poll this week, actually moving up from 11th last week and flip-flopping with Ole Miss.

Coach Butch Jones said after the game he feels the worst for the players who haven’t given up.

“It’s all about our players,” Jones said. “It’s all about our kids. They’re working very, very hard. I hurt for them because they invest so much in it. And, you know, like I told them, right now our leadership’s being challenged, our maturity’s being challenged, but we have to continue to stay together and work. And how you feel in that locker room right now, you have to apply it to during the week, all that in terms of sacrificing and committing and taking pride in your preparation.

“But I hurt for the players because we expect to win. That’s why you play the game.”

The game wasn’t unlike most for the Vols this season. The defense played well early, only giving up a touchdown in the first quarter. It would receive little help from the offense, though.

The Vols have gone 14 consecutive quarters without scoring an offensive touchdown.